Rooney right for Gunners - Usmanov

20 June 2013 06:16

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Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov believes Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney would be a 'great success' if he joined the north London club.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has been promised significant funds to build a squad this summer capable of mounting a sustained title challenge, with England forward Rooney among those linked as potential marquee signings, having handed in a transfer request at Old Trafford at the end of last season.

And Usmanov, who holds a 29.9 per cent share in Arsenal, reckons the unsettled 27-year-old would be a big hit at the Emirates Stadium. He told American television channel CNBC: "(He is a) great player. If he comes it would be a big success for Arsenal and for Rooney also."

Usmanov also expressed his support for Wenger, who oversaw a strong finish to the 2012/13 campaign as the team finished fourth in the Barclays Premier League to secure a Champions League qualifying play-off place.

"My point of view is that Arsene knows best," the 59-year-old Russian added. "Of course, we as shareholders do point out some drawbacks in managing the club, in steering its way through.

"But I believe he is a great coach and he has already proven that last season."